News

Posted
on Fri, 09 Jan 2015, 15:24

The Guardian recently drew attention to a new threat to the olive trees of Italy, and by extension the rest of Europe, already suffering in 2014 from extensive attacks by olive fruit flies (Bactrocera oleae). Leaf Scorch, caused by the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, has infected thousands of hectares of olive groves in the southern Italian province of Apulia.

An expert panel of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) warned this week that “establishment and spread in the EU is very likely,” and that there could be yield losses and other damage. Control would be costly. The disease blocks the vessels ...